Do you ever see a piece of art and it speaks to you in a way that you just have to have it? Well, in my wonderful pink room is this poster. It says “Sometimes you have to make joy instead of wait for it.” This is the poster that inspired me to paint the spare bedroom and turn it into a haven for myself instead of waiting for Baby Watkins to give it a purpose.
This quote is something that I’ve tried to embrace for years though, as I’ve waited for things I can do nothing about. Vacations, a new home, a baby, a friendship, so many things. When life looks deep and dark and you can barely see the sun, you have to make your own light. I’ve found it in the endless cups of coffee and being called Aunt KK. In that moment that the morning sun hits my disco ball, sending flecks of light bouncing around the living room. In snuggling the cats on a cold evening. So many little things while I can’t change the big things. But I’m tired of waiting and I’m ready to move on to bigger things.
This year is the year. We’re not waiting anymore. After a disappointing year of house hunting, we decided to stay in our old town house a little longer. After almost ten years of waiting for Baby Watkins to make their miracle appearance, we’re moving on to new dreams. After two years of financial struggles, we’re getting thrifty and finding ways to make our backyard into our own little slice of vacation. Right now, I have daffodils coming up in my yard and they herald a new season of life in this house. A season where I’m making joy!
This year I have dreams of garden planting and trips to the Farmers Market to supplement what I’m not already growing. Dreams of taking random hikes on a Sunday afternoon and reading late into the night. Dreams of hanging out with friends under the patio twinkle lights while we talk about life and watch the fireflies come out. Dreams of pizza Fridays and weekend sangria. So many dreams for this year and for me, it started with planting daffodils. One small step to make joy.
This month, our thrive tip is LOOK FOR LIFE. Looking for life is the first step to making joy! Where are you finding life this week? Share with us on social media!
Casey Watkins has been married to her IT handyman for ten years. Together, they live in an old house on the east side of Indianapolis with their cats, Charlie and Hermione. In their nine years of infertility, they’ve renovated their house, visited Iceland and baked a lot of cake. You can read more about Casey on her Instagram, chasing_cozy!